U.S. patent number 5,379,491 [Application Number 07/989,376] was granted by the patent office on 1995-01-10 for mounting means for removably securing functional items to support articles.
Invention is credited to Alan J. Solo.
United States Patent |
5,379,491 |
Solo |
* January 10, 1995 |
Mounting means for removably securing functional items to support
articles
Abstract
A mounting member for removably securing conventional items,
such as flip up and down glasses, compasses, pedometers, pouches,
purses, cases, clips, holding members, flashlights or pen lights,
and watches to support articles, such as baseball caps, head sweat
bands, clothing, footwear, parts of a person's body, posts, steps,
and moldings where the support articles have convex, concave or
stepped surfaces, the mounting member being provided with
transverse hinges between sections thereof to permit the sections
to pivot both upwardly and downwardly relative to each other so
that the mounting member can be positioned on a curved article,
where the hinges can have flexible accordian-like portions to
permit the sections to pivot or swing transversely from side to
side relative to each other to provide a curved arrangement. One of
the sections can include an adjustment member to position the flip
up and down glasses relative to a wearer's eyes. The item can be
formed integrally on one section or can be removably secured
thereto by Velcro fasteners, snap fasteners, suction members or a
double sided adhesive tape. The mounting member can be removably
secured to the support article by any one of the above mentioned
fasteners. In one embodiment, a fastener on an upper surface of one
end section is secured to a fastener on a lower surface of an
opposite end section so that the mounting member is disposed around
the support article. The mounting member can be provided with
numerous sections integrally connected together by the hinges.
Inventors: |
Solo; Alan J. (Brooklyn,
NY) |
[*] Notice: |
The portion of the term of this patent
subsequent to July 14, 2009 has been disclaimed. |
Family
ID: |
25535062 |
Appl.
No.: |
07/989,376 |
Filed: |
December 11, 1992 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/3.3;
224/901.2; 224/901.8; 24/10R; 24/306 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B
1/247 (20130101); A44C 5/2071 (20130101); A45F
5/02 (20130101); B43K 23/001 (20130101); G02C
3/02 (20130101); G02C 11/00 (20130101); Y10T
24/1371 (20150115); Y10T 24/2708 (20150115); Y10T
24/1321 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
A45F
5/00 (20060101); A45F 5/02 (20060101); A44C
5/20 (20060101); A44C 5/18 (20060101); A42B
1/24 (20060101); A42B 1/00 (20060101); B43K
23/00 (20060101); G02C 11/00 (20060101); G02C
3/00 (20060101); G02C 3/02 (20060101); A44B
021/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;24/3R,3A,3F,3J,3M,5,6,7,8,1R,11R,11F,11M,306,335,336,339,487 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Cranmer; Laurie K.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Goodman & Teitelbaum
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. Mounting means for removably securing conventional items,
including compasses, pedometers, pouches, purses, cases, watches,
clips, holding members and flashlights, to support articles,
including clothing, footwear, parts of a person's body, posts,
steps and moldings, where the support articles have convex, concave
or stepped surfaces, comprising:
a mounting member including at least a central section and two
longitudinally opposing end sections arranged in a one piece
integral construction;
hinge means transversely disposed across said mounting member
between each of said sections to permit said end sections to pivot
both upwardly and downwardly relative to said central section to
conform to an associated convex, concave or stepped surface of the
support article;
first fastener means for removably securing at least one
conventional item to one side of said mounting member;
second fastener means for removably securing an opposite side of
said mounting member to the support article; and
said hinge means being transversely extending recesses provided on
said one side of said mounting member between said sections, and
associated corresponding transversely extending recesses provided
on said opposite side of said mounting member between said
sections.
2. Mounting means according to claim 1, wherein said first fastener
means include cooperating loop and hook engaging portions disposed
on an upper surface of said central section and on an associated
facing surface of the item.
3. Mounting means according to claim 1, wherein an outer surface of
the item is concavely curved inwardly and has hook engaging
portions thereon to provide holding means for retaining flashlights
and tennis balls.
4. Mounting means according to claim 1, wherein said first fastener
means are secured at least to an upper surface of one of said end
sections, and said second fastener means are secured to a lower
surface of the opposite one of said end sections, said first and
second fastener means being removably secured together so that said
mounting member is disposed around the support article.
5. Mounting means according to claim 4, wherein said first fastener
means are secured to an upper surface of numerous ones of said
sections for removably securing numerous items to said mounting
member.
6. Mounting means according to claim 1, wherein said first fastener
means include cooperating loop and hook engaging portions.
7. Mounting means according to claim 1, wherein said second
fastener means include cooperating loop and hook engaging
portions.
8. Mounting means according to claim 1, wherein said first fastener
means are secured to an upper surface of numerous ones of said
sections.
9. Mounting means according to claim 8, wherein said first fastener
means include clips.
10. Mounting means according to claim 1, wherein said second
fastener means are secured to a lower surface of at least one of
said sections.
11. Mounting means according to claim 1, wherein said second
fastener means are secured to a lower surface of numerous ones of
said sections.
12. Mounting means for removably securing conventional items,
including compasses, pedometers, pouches, purses, cases, watches,
clips, holding members and flashlights, to support articles,
including clothing, footwear, parts of a person's body, posts,
steps and moldings where the support articles have convex, concave
or stepped surfaces, comprising:
a mounting member including at least a central section and two
longitudinally opposing end sections arranged in a one piece
integral construction;
hinge means transversely disposed across said mounting member
between each of said sections to permit said end sections to pivot
both upwardly and downwardly relative to said central section to
conform to an associated convex, concave or stepped surface of the
support article;
at least one of said conventional items being disposed on an upper
surface of at least one of said sections in an integral
construction on one side of said mounting member;
fastener means for removably securing an opposite side of said
mounting member to the support article; and
said hinge means being transversely extending recesses provided on
said one side of said mounting member between said sections, and
associated corresponding transversely extending recesses provided
on said opposite side of said mounting member between said
sections.
13. Mounting means according to claim 12, wherein said fastener
means include cooperating loop and hook engaging portions disposed
on said lower surface of each of said sections and on an associated
facing surface of the support article.
14. Mounting means according to claim 12, wherein an outer surface
of said item is concavely curved inwardly and has hook engaging
portions thereon to provide holding means for retaining flashlights
and tennis balls.
15. Mounting means according to claim 12, wherein said item
includes a socket portion integrally secured to said upper surface
of said one section, said item also including a flashlight having a
ball on one end thereof opposite a light emitting end of said
flashlight, said ball being movably captured within said socket
portion to provide a universal joint so that said flashlight can be
pivoted up, down and sideways relative to said one section of said
mounting member.
16. Mounting means according to claim 12, wherein a fastener member
is secured at least to an upper surface of one of said end
sections, and said fastener means are secured to a lower surface of
the opposite one of said end sections, said fastener member and
said fastener means being removably secured together so that said
mounting member is disposed around the support article.
17. Mounting means according to claim 16, wherein fastener members
are secured to an upper surface of numerous ones of said sections
for removably securing numerous items to said mounting member.
18. Mounting means according to claim 12, wherein fastener members
are secured to an upper surface of numerous ones of said
sections.
19. Mounting means according to claim 12, wherein said fastener
means are secured to a lower surface of at least one of said
sections.
20. Mounting means according to claim 12, wherein said fastener
means are secured to a lower surface of numerous ones of said
sections.
21. Mounting means according to claim 12, wherein said fastener
means include cooperating loop and hook engaging portions.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to mounting means and, more particularly, to
a mounting member for removably securing conventional items, such
as flip up and down glasses, compasses, pedometers, pouches,
purses, cases, clip means, holding means, flashlights or pen
lights, watches and the like, to support articles, such as baseball
caps, head sweat bands, clothing, footwear, parts of a person's
body, posts, steps, moldings and the like, where the support
articles have convex, concave or stepped surfaces, the mounting
member being provided with hinge means to permit sections thereof
to pivot both upwardly and downwardly relative to each other so
that the mounting member can be positioned on a curved article,
where the hinge means can have flexible accordian-like portions to
permit the sections to pivot or swing transversely from side to
side relative to each other to provide a curved arrangement.
There are many occasions when a person requires attachment means to
removably secure a functional item, such as mentioned above, to a
support article, such as mentioned above. However, the prior art
attachment means are usually rigid members, and therefore do not
conform to a curved or stepped surface of the support article to
which it may be secured, and therefore a secured engagement is not
provided therebetween, where after a period of time, the attachment
means is usually separated from the support article.
The Applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 5,129,102 discloses a mounting member
for securing a pair of flip up and down glasses to the visor of a
baseball cap. Even though the mounting member is provided with
hinge means, the particular structure thereof is limited to the
specific attachment of the flip up and down glasses to the visor of
the baseball cap, and therefore is not adapted to secure other
types of conventional items to other types of support articles.
Therefore, the prior art mounting or attachment members are not
particularly directed to removably securing different types of
conventional items to different types of support articles.
Accordingly, there is a need for mounting means which can removably
secure different types of conventional items to various support
articles having curved or stepped surfaces.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide
mounting means for removably securing conventional items to support
items, which avoids the problems of the prior art devices.
Another object of the present invention is to provide mounting
means for removably securing conventional items thereto, such as
flip up and down glasses, compasses, pedometers, pouches, purses,
cases, clips, holding members, flashlights or pen lights, watches
and the like.
A further object of the present invention is to provide mounting
means having conventional items formed integrally on at least one
section thereof, such as compasses, pedometers, pouches, purses,
cases, clips, holding members, flashlights or pen lights, watches,
and the like.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide holding
means as described above, where the item includes a socket portion
integrally secured to one section of the mounting means for
receiving a ball on one end of a flashlight to provide a universal
joint for pivoting the flashlight up, down and sideways relative to
the mounting means.
Another object of the present invention is to provide mounting
means as described above, which can be removably secured to support
articles, such as baseball caps, head sweat bands, clothing,
footwear, parts of a person's body, posts, steps, moldings and the
like, where the support articles have convex, concave or stepped
surfaces.
A further object of the present invention is to provide mounting
means as described above, which includes hinge means transversely
disposed between each of the sections of the mounting means to
permit the sections thereof to pivot both upwardly and downwardly
relative to each other so that the mounting means can be positioned
on a curved article.
A further object of the present invention is to provide mounting
means as described above, where the hinge means can have flexible
accordian-like portions to permit the sections to pivot or swing
transversely from side to side relative to each other to provide a
curved arrangement.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide mounting
means as described above, where one of the sections includes an
adjustment member to position the flip up and down glasses relative
to a wearer's eyes.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide
mounting means as described above, where the items can be removably
secured thereto by Velcro fasteners, snap fasteners, suction
members or a double sided adhesive tape.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide mounting
means as described above, where the mounting means can be removably
secured to the support articles by Velcro fasteners, snap
fasteners, suction members or a double sided adhesive tape.
A further object of the present invention is to provide mounting
means as described above, where a fastener on an upper surface of
one end section thereof is secured to a fastener on a lower surface
of an opposite end section so that the mounting means can be
disposed around the support article.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide mounting
means as described above, which includes numerous sections
integrally connected together by hinges, the hinges being formed
either by recesses provided in the mounting means or by flexible
accordian-like portions integrally connecting the sections
together.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide
mounting means as described above, which is inexpensive to
manufacture, and which is easy to secure to a convex, concave or
stepped surfaces of the support article.
Briefly, in accordance with the present invention, a mounting
member is provided for removably securing conventional items, such
as flip up and down glasses, compasses, pedometers, pouches,
purses, cases, clips, holding members, flashlights or pen lights,
watches and the like, to support articles, such as baseball caps,
head sweat bands, clothing, footwear, parts of a person's body,
posts, steps, moldings and the like. The support articles have
convex, concave or stepped surfaces. The mounting member is
provided with transverse hinges between sections thereof to permit
the sections to pivot both upwardly and downwardly relative to each
other so that the mounting member can be positioned on a curved
article, where the hinges can have flexible accordian-like portions
to permit the sections to pivot or swing transversely from side to
side relative to each other to provide a curved arrangement.
In one embodiment, one of the sections can include an adjustment
member to position the flip up and down glasses relative to a
wearer's eyes.
The item can be formed integrally on one section or can be
removably secured thereto by Velcro fasteners, snap fasteners,
suction members or a double sided adhesive tape. The mounting
member can be removably secured to the support article by any one
of the above mentioned fasteners.
In another embodiment, a fastener on an upper surface of one end
section is secured to a fastener on a lower surface of an opposite
end section so that the mounting member is disposed around the
support article.
In a further embodiment, a socket portion is integrally secured to
one section of the mounting member to receive a ball disposed on
one end of a flashlight to provide a universal joint so that the
flashlight can be pivoted up, down and sideways relative to the
mounting member.
The mounting member can be provided with numerous sections
integrally connected together by the hinges.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
With the above and additional objects and advantages in view, as
will hereinafter appear, this invention comprises the devices,
combinations and arrangements of parts hereinafter described by way
of example and illustrated in the accompanying drawings of
preferred embodiments in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a baseball cap provided with flip
up and down glasses secured thereto by removable mounting means
according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a fragmented side view, partly in section, showing the
mounting means removably securing the flip up and down glasses to
the peak or visor of the baseball cap of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a side view of a head sweat band provided with the flip
up and down glasses secured thereto by the removable mounting
means;
FIG. 4 is a side view, showing the mounting means removably
securing the flip up and down glasses to the head sweat band of
FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the flip up and down
glasses and the removable mounting means shown in FIGS. 1-4.
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing modified removable
mounting means having an adjustable member;
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7--7 of FIG.
6;
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 7 showing the
adjustable member therein;
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 8 showing the
adjustable member in an extended position;
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 9 showing the
adjustable member in an extended and downwardly pivoted
position;
FIG. 11 is an enlarged fragmented cross-sectional view showing a
portion of the body member having the adjustable member rotatably
attached thereto when the adjustable member is in the position
shown in FIG. 10;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of further modified removable
mounting means similar to FIG. 6;
FIG. 13 is a fragmented sectional side view of the mounting means
of FIG. 12, showing the adjustable member therein;
FIG. 14 is a fragmented sectional side view similar to FIG. 13,
showing the adjustable member in an extended position;
FIG. 15 is a fragmented sectional side view of modified mounting
means which is secured to an article by adhesive means;
FIG. 16 is a fragmented sectional side view showing further
modified mounting means secured to an article by snap fastener
means;
FIG. 17 is a fragmented sectional side view of another modified
mounting means secured to an article by suction means;
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of still another modified mounting
means;
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a compass which is removably
attachable to the mounting means of FIG. 18;
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a pedometer which is removably
attachable to the mounting means of FIG. 18;
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a pouch, purse or case which is
removably attachable to the mounting means of FIG. 18;
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of clip means which is removably
attachable to the mounting means of FIG. 18;
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of modified clip means which is
removably attachable to the mounting means of FIG. 18;
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of holding means which is removably
attachable to the mounting means of FIG. 18, which holds a small
flashlight or pen light;
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of modified holding means, shown in
the open position, which is removably attachable to the mounting
means of FIG. 18;
FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing the modified holding means of
FIG. 25 in a closed position;
FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing the holding means of FIG. 18
being used with the clip of FIG. 23 to hold a comb on a baseball
cap and also to hold the flashlight or pen light of FIG. 24 on the
visor of the cap;
FIG. 28 is a side view showing the modified holding means of FIG.
25 secured to the sleeve of a person's shirt or jacket by the
mounting means of FIG. 18, and also showing the compass of FIG. 19
secured to the cuff thereof by the holding means of FIG. 18;
FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing the holding means of FIG. 18
being used to hold the pouch of FIG. 21 on footwear, such as a
sneaker;
FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a modified case which is removably
attachable to the mounting means of FIG. 18;
FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing the holding means of FIG. 18
being used to hold a modified pouch on wearing apparel, such as
trousers, slacks, jogging pants, sweat pants and the like;
FIG. 32 is a fragmented perspective view showing a flashlight
rotatably secured to the holding means of FIG. 18;
FIG. 33 is a fragmented sectional view of the mounting means of
FIG. 32;
FIG. 34 is a fragmented front view of the mounting means of FIG.
32;
FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing the compass integrally
forming a part of the mounting means;
FIG. 36 is a perspective view showing the pedometer integrally
forming a part of the mounting means;
FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing clip means integrally forming
a part of the mounting means;
FIG. 38 is a perspective view showing modified clip means
integrally forming a part of the mounting means;
FIG. 39 is a perspective view showing holding means integrally
forming a part of the mounting means;
FIG. 40 is a perspective view showing modified holding means
integrally forming a part of the mounting means;
FIG. 41 is a perspective view showing the clip means of FIG. 38
mounted on a round convex surface;
FIG. 42 is a perspective view showing an integral watch and
mounting means mounted on a concave surface;
FIG. 43 is a perspective view of still a further modified mounting
means;
FIG. 44 shows the mounting means of FIG. 43 mounted on a person's
arm;
FIG. 45 is a fragmented side view of the mounting means of FIG.
44;
FIG. 46 is a fragmented side view showing modified mounting means
similar to the mounting means of FIG. 45;
FIG. 47 is a side view showing further modified mounting means
similar to the mounting means of FIG. 43;
FIG. 48 is a perspective view of yet another modified mounting
means;
FIG. 49 is a top view showing the mounting means of FIG. 48 in a
curved position;
FIG. 50 is a top view showing the mounting means of FIG. 48 in an
S-shaped position;
FIG. 51 is a side view showing the mounting means of FIG. 48
mounted on a step; and
FIG. 52 is a fragmented side view showing a pair of the mounting
means of FIG. 48 mounted on a round article.
In the various figures of the drawings, like reference characters
designate like parts.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a conventional cap 10,
such as the well known baseball cap, having an outwardly extending
peak or visor 12. Flip up and down glasses 14 are removably secured
to the underside 16 of the visor 12. As best shown in FIG. 2, the
upper surface of a flexible fabric strip 18 is secured by
conventional means, such as an adhesive, cement or by sewing, to a
central portion of the visor 12, which is adjacent to the cap
opening 20 for receiving the person's head therein. The fabric
strip 18 preferably has a rectangular shape with the length thereof
being disposed substantially parallel to the front edge 22 of the
visor 12. The opposite lower surface of the fabric strip 18
contains the loops of a Velcro fastener, being formed as a one
piece construction. The term "Velcro" is a registered trademark of
American Velcro, Inc.
The flip up and down glasses 14 are similar to the flip up and down
glasses disclosed in Applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 5,129,102, except
the mounting member 24 thereof has been modified as set forth
below. The mounting member 24 is preferably fabricated from a
plastic material, and has transversely extending recesses 26 formed
in the upper surface 28 thereof, and associated corresponding
transversely extending recesses 30 formed in the lower surface 32
thereof to provide hinge means so that the central section 34 and
the opposing end sections 36, 38 formed thereby into rectangular
configurations can pivot relative to each other, both upwardly and
downwardly as indicated by the phantom lines in FIG. 5, in order
for the mounting member 24 to substantially conform to the
curvature of the cap visor 12 and also to bend with the cap visor
12 when mounted thereon as shown in FIG. 1.
As shown in FIG. 5, separate material portions 40 are secured by
conventional means to one side, such as the upper surface 28 of the
associated sections 34, 36, 38 of the mounting member 24, and
additional material portions 42 are secured by conventional means
to the opposite side, such as the lower surface 32 of the
associated sections 34, 36, 38 of the mounting member 24 so that
each of the sections 34, 36, 38 has a pair of material portions 40,
42 on opposite sides thereof. Each of the material portions 40, 42
contain hooks on the outer surfaces thereof of a Velcro fastener
for engaging the above-mentioned loops of the Velcro fastener and
the like, as will be discussed below.
Additionally, the central section 34 is provided with C-shaped
portions 44, 46 extending outwardly from one edge thereof so that
the C-shaped portions 44, 46 extend beyond the edge with the
openings thereof facing horizontally outwardly from the edge.
Lenses 48, 50, such as prescription lenses or lenses for
sunglasses, are secured together by an H-shaped member 52. The
H-shaped member 52 includes side portions 54, 56 which are
connected together by a bridge portion 58. The side portions 54, 56
are connected to the lenses 48, 50 by conventional means, such as
screws or rivets 60 so that the bridge portion 58 is disposed
between and separates the lenses 48, 50. At the upper ends of the
side portions 54, 56 are reduced portions 62, 64 having cylindrical
portions 66, 68 at the free ends thereof.
The cylindrical portions 66, 68 are removably received in the
C-shaped portions 44, 46, respectively, so that the H-shaped
portion 52 and the lenses 48, 50 connected thereto are free to
pivot within the C-shaped portions 44, 46 to permit the lenses 48,
50 to flip up and down relative to the mounting member 24. It is
understood, that the C-shaped portions 44, 46 are spaced apart on
the mounting member 24 a predetermined distance so that the
cylindrical portions 66, 68 of the H-shaped member 52 can be
received exactly within the C-shaped portions 44, 46,
respectively.
Accordingly, the fabric strip 18 with the Velcro loops facing
downwardly or outwardly, is secured to the undersurface 16 of the
cap visor 12, where the positioning thereof can be made according
to the requirements of the wearer of the cap 10. The lenses 48, 50
and the H-shaped member 52 are removably, pivotally secured to the
mounting member 24 as mentioned above, where the Velcro material
portions 40, 42 are already secured on the mounting member 24 in
the manner mentioned above. The mounting member 24 is now
positioned against the fabric strip 18 on the cap visor 12 so that
the Velcro material portions 40 on the upper surfaces thereof are
removably secured to the fabric strip 18 in a well known manner, as
shown in FIG. 1.
The person can now place the cap 10 on his head and flip the
glasses 14 up and down as desired. It is noted, that if the person
wishes to use the cap 10 without the glasses 14, all the person
need do is remove the mounting member 24 from the fabric strip 18
so that the Velcro fasteners are separated from each other in a
well known manner. Furthermore, when the lenses 48, 50 are flipped
up against the visor 12, as shown in phantom lines in FIG. 2, the
lenses 48, 50 are frictionally maintained in this flipped up
position.
The improved feature of having the additional material portions 42
on the opposite side of the mounting member 24 will now be
discussed. FIG. 3 shows a sweat band 70 worn on a person's head 72,
shown in phantom lines, with the glasses 14 mounted thereon. In
this arrangement, the opposing material portions 42 are secured to
the sweat band 70 rather than the above-mentioned material portions
40, in order for the lenses 48, 50 to be properly positioned
relative to the eyes of the wearer. It is noted, that in most
cases, the sweat band 70 is fabricated from a material having loops
thereon similar to that of a Velcro fastener, so that the
above-mentioned fabric strip 18 is not necessary. However, if the
material of the sweat band 70 is not suitable for attachment to the
Velcro fastener of the mounting member 24, then the fabric strip 18
would first be secured by conventional means to the sweat band 70
to function in the same manner as mentioned above.
The person can mount the glasses 14 on the sweat band 70 before or
after the sweat band 70 is placed on his head 72. It is noted, that
if the person wishes to use the sweat band 70 without the glasses
14, all the person need do is remove the mounting member 24
therefrom so that the Velcro fastener is separated from the head
band 70 in a well known manner. Here again, when the lenses 48, 50
are flipped up, as shown in phantom lines in FIGS. 3 and 4, the
lenses 48, 50 are frictionally maintained in this flipped up
position.
Thus, as shown above, the material portions 40, 42 disposed on
opposite sides of the mounting member 24 permit the lenses 48, 50
to be properly positioned on different articles, such as the
above-mentioned cap 10 and sweat band 70, worn on a person's head.
Furthermore, the recesses 26, 30 formed in the mounting member 24
permit the sections 34, 36, 38 to pivot relative to each other so
that the mounting member 24 can substantially conform to the
curvature of an article, such as the above-mentioned cap visor 12
and sweat band 70, when mounted thereon.
FIGS. 6-11 show a modified mounting member 72 which permits
adjustment of the lenses 48, 50 relative to the wearer's eyes. The
mounting member 72, preferably fabricated from a plastic material,
includes the above-mentioned transversely extending recesses 26, 28
on opposite sides thereof to provide the opposing end sections 36,
38 and a modified central section 74, as discussed below. Here
again, the material portions 40, 42 are secured by conventional
means to opposite sides of the associated sections 36, 38, 74, to
function in the same manner as mentioned above.
As best shown in FIG. 7, the central portion 74 has a centrally
located opening 76 extending transversely therethrough. The upper
and lower walls 78, 80 of the opening 76 are serrated or
saw-toothed in the longitudinal direction, the function of which
will be explained below. Additionally, the opposing side walls of
the opening 76 each have a slot 82 transversely extending from the
rear wall 84 to a spaced distance from the front wall 86 of the
central section 74 of the mounting member 72, further details of
which will be set forth below. Furthermore, the lower portion of
the central section 74 has a tapered-front wall 88 which is
recessed in a predetermined distance from the front wall 86 below
the opening 76, the function of which will be explained below.
As best shown in FIG. 6, an adjustment member 90 is adapted to be
received in the opening 76 of the central section 74. The C-shaped
portions 44, 46 extend outwardly from the front edge 92 of the
adjustment member 90, and function in the same manner as mentioned
above. The top and bottom surfaces 94, 96 of the adjustment member
90 are serrated or saw-toothed in the longitudinal direction in the
same manner as the upper and lower walls 78, 80 of the opening 76
in the central section 74, the function of which will be explained
below. Additionally, a pair of pins 98 extend outwardly in the
longitudinal direction from a rear portion of the opposing side
walls 100. The outer surfaces of the pins 98 are serrated or
saw-toothed, the function of which will also be explained
below.
Accordingly, in the assembly, the adjustment member 90 is inserted
with the C-shaped portions 44, 46 first into the opening 76 from
the rear wall 84 of the central section 74 until the C-shaped
portions 44, 46 extend outwardly from the front wall 86 of the
central section 74 as shown in FIG. 8. During the insertion, the
serrations on the upper and lower surfaces of the adjustment member
90 engage and disengage the serrations in the upper and lower walls
78, 80 of the opening 76 as the adjustment member 90 moves or is
pushed through the opening 76 due to the insertion force applied to
the adjustment member 90. Additionally, the pins 98 are received in
their associated slots 82 formed in the opposing side walls of the
opening 76. After the insertion, the cylindrical portions 66, 68 of
the glasses 14 are mounted in the C-shaped portions 44, 46 so that
the H-shaped portion 52 and the lenses 48, 50 connected thereto are
free to pivot. It is noted, for proper use, the user's eyes are
directed towards the lenses 48, 50 in the direction shown by arrow
102 in FIG. 8.
Accordingly, when the wearer desires to have the lenses 48, 50
closer to his eyes, the wearer applies a sufficient amount of force
on the adjustment member 90 to overcome the serration engagement
between the adjustment member 90 and the central portion 74 to move
the adjustment member 90 in the direction of arrow 104 outwardly
from the opening 76, as shown in FIG. 9, which is permitted due to
the resiliency of the plastic material forming the serrations. Once
the wearer has the adjustment member 90 in the desired position,
the interlocking of the serrations on the adjustment member 90 and
the central section 74 maintains the adjustment member 90 in the
set position. It is noted, that the pins 98, which are received in
the slots 82, prevent the adjustment member 90 from being pulled
completely out from the front wall 86 of the central section 74,
particularly since the slots 82 end a predetermined distance from
the front wall 86 as mentioned above.
As indicated in FIG. 10, additional positions of the adjustment
member 90 can be obtained, such as a desired lower position for the
lenses 48, 50. As best shown in the enlarged cross section of FIG.
11, the blind end 106 of each of the slots 82 is also serrated or
saw-toothed, matching the configuration of the pins 98.
Additionally, a pair of pimples 108 are provided on the upper and
lower walls of each slot 82 at a predetermined position to provide
a narrow entrance into the blind end 106.
Accordingly, the adjustment member 90 is moved all the way towards
the front wall 86 so that the pins 98 thereof are forced past the
pimples 108 and into the blind end 106 of the slots 82 so that the
serrations of the pins 98 and of the blind end 106 matingly engage
each other, where the pimples 108 maintain the pins 98 within the
blind end 106. Thereafter, the adjustment member 90 can be rotated
downwardly by applying a sufficient force to overcome the serration
engagement of the pins 98. FIG. 10 shows the adjustment member 90
rotated the full extent so that the bottom surface 96 of the
adjustment member 90 is disposed against the tapered front wall 88
of the central section 74. It is noted, the recessed tapered front
wall 88 provides the necessary clearance to permit the
above-mentioned rotation of the adjustment member 90 as mentioned
above. Thus, the lenses 48, 50 are in a lower position, and can be
adjusted closer or further away relative to the wearer's eyes by
rotating the adjustment member 90 as mentioned above.
FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 disclose a further modified mounting member 110
which is similar to but simpler than the above-mentioned mounting
member 72, in that the mounting member 110 does not have the
above-mentioned pins 98. Accordingly, mounting member 110 also
permits adjustment of the lenses 48, 50 relative to the wearer's
eyes. The mounting member 110, preferably fabricated from a plastic
material, includes the above-mentioned transversely extending
recesses 26, 28 on opposite sides thereof to provide the opposing
end sections 36, 38 and a modified central section 112, as
discussed below. Once again, the material portions 40, 42 are
secured by conventional means to opposite sides of the associated
sections 36, 38, 112 to function in the same manner as mentioned
above. The central section 112 also has a centrally located opening
114 extending transversely therethrough, with the upper and lower
walls 116,118 thereof being serrated or saw-toothed in the
longitudinal direction, in the same manner as mentioned above.
As best shown in FIG. 12, an adjustment member 120 is adapted to be
received in the opening 114 of the central section 112, where the
C-shaped portions 44, 46 extend outwardly from the front edge 92,
and function in the same manner as mentioned above. Here again, the
top and bottom surfaces 94, 96 are serrated or saw-toothed in the
same manner as indicated above. Accordingly, in the assembly, the
adjustment member 120 can be inserted into the opening 114 from
either end thereof by applying a sufficient insertion force to the
adjustment member 120. Additionally, the glasses 14 are mounted in
the C-shaped portions 44, 46 of the adjustment member 120 in the
same manner as mentioned above.
FIG. 13 shows the adjustment member 120 fully inserted in the
opening 114 of the central section 112, being similar to FIG. 8,
where the user's eyes are again directed towards the lenses 48, 50
in the direction shown by the arrow 102. FIG. 14, shows the
adjustment member 120 moved in the direction of arrow 104 outwardly
from the opening 114 in a similar manner as mentioned above with
respect to FIG. 9. Thus, as set forth above, the lenses 48, 50 can
be adjusted relative to the wearer's eyes. Furthermore, in each of
the embodiments mentioned above, the mounting member was secured to
the article, such as the baseball cap 10 and the sweat band 70, by
a Velco type fastener. However, it is understood, that other types
of fastening means can be used to secure the mounting member to an
article, where a few examples thereof are set forth below.
FIG. 15 shows a mounting member, such as the above-mentioned
mounting member 24 or any one of the above modified mounting
members 72, 110, secured to an article, such as the above mentioned
sweat band 70, by adhesive means 122. The adhesive means 122 can
either be the removable type, such as a double sided adhesive tape,
or if desired, can be a permanent type adhesive.
FIG. 16 shows a mounting member, such as the above-mentioned
mounting member 24 or any one of the above modified mounting
members 72, 110, secured to an article such as the above mentioned
sweat band 70, by snap fasteners 124. Accordingly, the female snap
fastener 126 is permanently secured to the sweat band 70, and the
male snap fastener 128 is permanently secured to the mounting
member 24. Any desired number of snap fasteners 124 can be used to
removably secure the mounting member 24 to the sweat band 70.
FIG. 17 shows a mounting member, such as the above-mentioned
mounting member 24 or any one of the above modified mounting
members 72, 110, secured to an article, such as the peak 12 of the
above-mentioned baseball cap 10, by suction means 130. In order for
the suction means 130, such as rubber or plastic suction members to
properly function, the peak 12 of the baseball cap 10 should be
fabricated from a non-porous plastic material. Any desired number
of suction means 130 can be used to secure the mounting member 24
to the peak 12.
The mounting member of the present invention, in the forms shown
above or in any further modified form, can be used to removably
attach many different types of items to various articles, such as
wearing apparel. By way of example, modified mounting members and
various attachable items are described below.
FIG. 18 shows a modified mounting member 132 which is similar to
the above-mentioned mounting member 24 except the above C-shaped
portions 44, 46 have been removed therefrom. Furthermore,
additional transversely extending recesses 26 are formed in the
upper surface 28 thereof, and associated corresponding transversely
extending additional recesses 30 are formed in the lower surface 32
thereof to provide more of the above-mentioned hinged means so that
the larger central section 34 and the opposing two sections 36, 37
and 38, 39, formed thereby into rectangular configurations, can
pivot relative to each other both upwardly and downwardly in the
manner mentioned above. Thus, the mounting member 132 can
substantially conform to the curvature of an article, such as
wearing apparel, and can also bend therewith.
Preferably, only one material portion 40 is secured by conventional
means to the upper surface of the central portion 34, though it is
understood that additional material portions 40 could also be
secured to the upper surfaces of the other sections 36, 37, 38, 39,
for the purposes mentioned below. Additional material portions 42
are also secured by conventional means to the opposite side of the
mounting member 132, such as the lower surfaces of the associated
sections 34, 36, 37, 38, 39, as shown in FIG. 18, so that the
material portions 40, 42 are disposed on opposite sides of the
mounting member 132. As described above, each of the material
portions 40, 42 contain hooks on the outer surfaces thereof of a
Velcro fastener for engaging with the loops of a Velcro fastener
and the like, as will be discussed below.
Accordingly, by way of example, FIGS. 19-26 show different types of
items which can be secured to the above-mentioned mounting member
132 for attachment to various articles, such as wearing apparel.
The examples are now described below.
FIG. 19 shows a conventional compass 134 which is commercially
available. Accordingly, the back of the compass 134 is secured by
conventional means, such as an adhesive, cement and the like, to a
suitable material portion 136, of the type mentioned above,
containing the loops of a Velco fastener and the like on the outer
surface thereof for engagement with the hooks of the Velcro
fastener on the above-mentioned material portion 40 on the mounting
member 132. Thus, when the mounting member 132 is attached to the
wearing apparel, the compass 134 attached thereon will indicate to
the wearer the direction in which the wearer is walking or
travelling.
FIG. 20 shows a conventional pedometer 138 which is commercially
available. Accordingly, the back of the pedometer 138 is secured by
conventional means, such as an adhesive, cement and the like, to
the above-mentioned material portion 136 containing the loops of a
Velcro fastener and the like on the outer surface thereof for
engagement with the hooks of the Velcro fastener on the
above-mentioned material portion 40 on the mounting member 132.
Thus, when the mounting member 132 is attached to the wearing
apparel, such as to the trouser legs thereof, the pedometer 138
attached thereon will indicate the distance the wearer has walked.
Obviously, the pedometer 138 can be attached to other moving
objects in a conventional manner to indicate the distance
travelled.
FIG. 21 discloses a conventional pouch or carrying case 140 which
is commercially available. The pouch or carrying case 140 includes
a closeable flap 142 which is held in the closed position by
engageable male and female snap fasteners 144,146 in a conventional
manner. Here again, the back of the pouch or carrying case 140 is
secured by conventional means, such as an adhesive, cement and the
like, to the above-mentioned material portion 136 containing the
loops of a Velcro fastener and the like on the outer surface
thereof for engagement with the hooks of the Velcro fastener on the
above-mentioned material portion 40 on the mounting member 132.
Thus, when the mounting member 132 is attached to an article of
clothing, the pouch or carrying case 140 attached thereon can be
used to store items therein, such as the identification of the
wearer, money, keys, and other items the wearer desires to have on
his person.
FIG. 22 shows a conventional clip 148 which is commercially
available. Once again, the back of the clip 48 is secured by
conventional means, such as an adhesive, cement and the like, to
the above-mentioned material portion 136 containing the loops of a
Velcro fastener and the like on the outer surface thereof for
engagement with the hooks of the Velcro fastener on the
above-mentioned material portion 40 on the mounting member 132. The
clip 148 includes a base 150, a finger 152 bent back from one end
thereof over the base 150 to function in a resilient manner, and an
inwardly hooked portion 154 extending upwardly from the opposite
end thereof. Accordingly, an item is positioned between the finger
152 and the base 150, being disposed against the hooked portion
154, and is held in place by the resiliency of the finger 152.
Thus, when the mounting member 132 is attached to an article of
clothing, the clip 148 attached thereon can be used to hold various
items, such as a towel, a hat, and other items that permit clipping
thereon.
FIG. 23 shows a conventional spring clip 156 which is commercially
available. As above, the above-mentioned material portion 136 is
secured by conventional means, such as an adhesive, cement and the
like, to the spring clip 156 so that the loops of a Velcro fastener
and the like on the outer surface of the material portion 136 can
be engaged with hooks of the Velcro fastener of the above-mentioned
material portion 40 on the mounting member 132. The spring clip 156
includes two arm portions 158, 160 which are pivotally held
together by a spring member 162 in such a manner that the handle
ends 164, 166 of the arm portions 158, 160 respectively are
normally biased apart so that the clamping ends 168, 170 of the arm
portions 158, 160 are tensioned together.
In order to engage or release an item, such as paper sheets, cards
and the like, the handle ends 164, 166 are squeezed together to
spread the clamping ends 168, 170 apart to insert or remove the
items therebetween. Accordingly, when the handle ends 164, 166 are
released, the spring 162 forces the clamping ends 168, 170 back
together again. It is noted, that the material portion 136 can be
positioned on any portion of one of the arm portions 158, 160, such
as on the outer surface of the clamping portion 170 thereof, as
shown in FIG. 23. Thus, when the mounting member 132 is fastened to
an article of clothing, the spring clip 156 attached thereon can be
used to hold desired items, such as an identification card, paper
money, sheets of paper and the like.
FIG. 24 shows a holding member 172 which is adapted to hold a
conventional small flashlight or pen light 174 which is
commercially available. Accordingly, the above-mentioned material
portion 136 containing the loops of a Velcro fastener and the like
on the outer surface thereof is secured by conventional means, such
as an adhesive, cement and the like, to the back of the holding
member 172 so that the hooks of the Velcro fastener on the
above-mentioned material portion 40 on the mounting member 132 can
engage the loops of the material portion 136 to secure the holding
member 172 thereto. The holding member 172 includes a base portion
176 having a semi-circular portion 178 extending from the front
thereof, with the semi-circular opening therein facing away from
the front. Another material portion 180, preferably containing the
hooks of a Velcro fastener and the like on the outer surface
thereof, is secured by conventional means, such as an adhesive,
cement and the like, within the opening of the semi-circular
portion 178.
The flashlight or pen light 174 is provided with a further material
portion 182 disposed around the body portion thereof, being secured
thereto by conventional means, such as an adhesive, cement and the
like. Preferably, the material portion 182 contains loops of a
Velcro fastener and the like on the outer surface thereof for
engagement with the hooks of the Velcro fastener on the material
portion 180 to secure the flashlight or pen light 174 to the
holding member .172. The flashlight or pen light 174 has switch
means 184 on one end thereof to turn the flashlight or pen light
174 on and off in a conventional manner. Additionally, a loop
member 186 is provided on the end of the switch means 184 opposite
the light 188 thereof, for hanging or securing the flashlight or
pen light 174 when not in use in a conventional manner.
It is noted, that the above flashlight or pen light 174 is merely
shown as an example of an item which can be held by the holding
member 172, where obviously other such items can also be held by
the holding member 172. For example, as indicated below, the
holding member 172 can be used to hold a tennis ball, where the
hooks of the material portion 180 engage the outer covering of the
tennis ball without the need of providing the tennis ball with an
additional material portion containing loops thereon.
FIG. 25 shows a conventional toggle clip 190 which is commercially
available. Here again, the back of the toggle clip 190 is secured
by conventional means, such as an adhesive, cement and the like, to
the above-mentioned material portion 136 containing the loops of a
Velcro fastener and the like on the outer surface thereof for
engagement with the hooks of the Velcro fastener on the
above-mentioned material portion 40 on the mounting member 132. The
toggle clip 190 includes a base 192 on the back of which the
material portion 136 is secured, and a semi-circular portion 194 on
the front thereof. A C-shaped portion 196 is pivotally secured to
one end of the semi-circular portion 194 and an arcuate portion 198
is pivotally secured to the other end of the semi-circular portion
194, with the C-shaped portion 196 being hingeingly connected to
the arcuate portion 198, as shown in FIG. 25, so that a toggle
arrangement is provided. The C-shaped portion 196 has a recess 200
in an inner surface thereof adjacent the free end portion 202 to
receive the free end portion of the arcuate portion 198 when the
toggle clip 190 is closed, as shown in FIG. 26.
Accordingly, a cylindrical item 204, such as a pencil, pen, small
flashlight and the like, is positioned in the curved portion of
either the C-shaped portion 196 or the arcuate portion 198, and
then the C-shaped portion 196 and the arcuate portion 198 are
pivoted towards each other so that the C-shaped portion 196 and the
arcuate portion 198 are moved to a closed position by the toggle
action thereof to engage and grip the cylindrical item 204
therebetween as shown in FIG. 26. To remove the cylindrical item
204, the free end portion 202 of the C-shaped portion 196 is pulled
away from the arcuate portion 198 so that the toggle action thereof
returns the C-shaped portion 196 and the arcuate portion 198 to the
opened position as shown in FIG. 25.
Accordingly, by way of example, FIGS. 27, 28 and 29 show some of
the different types of items, shown in FIGS. 19-26 secured to the
above-mentioned mounting member 132, which in turn is attached to
various articles. Depending upon the fabric of the article, in some
cases the hooks of the material portions 42 will engage the fabric
directly, particularly a wool fabric and the like. However, in
other cases, it will be necessary to attach a fabric strip
containing the loops of a Velcro fastener thereon, such as the
above-mentioned fabric strip 18, to the article by conventional
means, such as by sewing, an adhesive, cement and the like in order
to attach the mounting member 132 thereto.
FIG. 27 shows the above-mentioned baseball cap 10 having one
mounting member 132 secured to the front of the cap 10 and a second
mounting member 132 secured to the upper surface of the peak or
visor 12 thereof. Accordingly, if the cap 10 is constructed from a
wool fabric, the above-mentioned fabric strip 18 is not necessary,
but if constructed of another material, then the above-mentioned
fabric strip 18 should be secured to the cap 10 as indicated above
for engagement with the material portions 42 of the mounting member
132. Accordingly, because of the hinged sections, the mounting
member 132 conforms to the shape of the cap 10 and visor 12. The
above-mentioned spring clip 156 is secured to the mounting member
132 on the front of the cap 10, and is used to clip and hold a comb
206 or the like thereon. Additionally, the above-mentioned holding
member 172 is secured to the mounting member 132 on the visor 12
and is used to hold the small flashlight or pen light 174 or the
like thereon.
Likewise, FIG. 28 shows a person's shirt or jacket 208 having
mounting members 132 secured to the sleeve 210 thereof on the
shoulder portion and on the cuff portion. Accordingly, as mentioned
above, a fabric strip 18 is first secured to both the shoulder
portion and the cuff portion by conventional means, such as sewing,
an adhesive, cement and the like. The material portions 42 of both
of the mounting members 132 are then secured to the fabric strips
18 in the manner mentioned above. Thereafter, the above-mentioned
compass 134 is secured to the mounting member 132 on the cuff
portion, and the above mentioned toggle clip 190 is secured to the
mounting member 132 on the shoulder portion of the sleeve 210.
Accordingly, the toggle clip 190 is used to mount a conventional
pencil 212 in the manner mentioned above.
Furthermore, FIG. 29 shows a conventional sneaker 214 having one
mounting member 132 secured thereon. As indicated above, first the
fabric strip 18 is secured by conventional means to the side of the
sneaker 214, and then the mounting member 132 is secured thereto in
the manner indicated above. Additionally, the above-mentioned pouch
or carrying case 140 is secured to the mounting member 132 and is
used to hold identification of the wearer, money, keys, and other
items the wearer desires to have on his person.
Accordingly, the pouch or carrying case 140 can be modified to have
various different configurations, which would be obvious to one
skilled in the art. For example, FIG. 30 discloses a case 216,
preferably fabricated from a metal material, which is commercially
available for holding various items, such as coins, paper money,
keys and the like. The case 216 has a slideable lid 218 with a
thumb nail receiving slot 220 therein for opening same, where the
slideable lid 218 is secured to the case 216 by conventional means,
such as a friction fit, detent means, magnetic means, and the like.
Here again, the above mentioned material portion 136 is secured to
the bottom surface of the case 216 by conventional means in order
to secure the case 216 to the mounting member 132 in the manner
mentioned above.
FIG. 31 shows a further example of a modified pouch or carrying
case 222 which is provided with a conventional zipper 224 for the
opening and closing thereof. In this example, the pouch or carrying
case 222 is secured to a person's trousers, slacks, jogging pants,
sweat pants 226 and the like, particularly when the trousers or
pants 226 are not provided with any pockets. Here again, the fabric
strip 18 is secured to the trousers or pants 226 by conventional
means, and then the mounting member 132 is mounted thereon in order
to attach the pouch or carrying case 222 thereto in the manner
mentioned above.
Thus, as shown above, a pouch or carrying case 140, 216, 222 can be
attached to different types of wearing apparel by using the
mounting member 132 of the present invention so that the mounting
member 132 conforms to the configuration of the wearing apparel. It
is noted, that the above mentioned pouch or carrying case 140, 216,
222 can also be used in place of the well known money belt,
particularly where the pouch or carrying case 140, 216, 222 can be
secured to a person's underwear by using the mounting member 132 of
the present invention in the manner set forth above. It is felt,
that further examples of the use of the pouch or carrying case 140,
216, 222 is not thought necessary, where such would be obvious to
one skilled in the art.
Each of the above FIGS. 19-31 show an item which is adapted to be
removably secured to the mounting member 132 shown best in FIG. 18,
thus providing an arrangement of two engaged parts. However, in
some instances, the item can be permanently directly secured to the
mounting member by suitable means, such as by molding, adhesive,
cement and the like, to provide a one piece integral construction.
Examples thereof are set forth below in FIGS. 32-42.
FIGS. 32-34 disclose a small flashlight or pen light 230 which is
secured directly to the upper surface 28 of the central section 34
of the mounting member 132. The mounting member 132 is constructed
in the same manner as mentioned above and includes the material
portions 42 on the lower surfaces of the associated sections 34,
36, 37, 38, 39, as indicated in FIG. 18. Accordingly, as best shown
in FIG. 33, a socket 232 is molded onto the upper surface 28 of the
central portion 34.
The flashlight or pen light 230 has a ball 234 secured to one end
opposite the light bulb 236 on the other end. As shown in FIG. 33,
the ball 234 is received in the socket 232, where the circular
opening in the socket 232 is greater than a semi-circle in order to
capture the ball 234 therein, and provide a universal joint
connection therebetween. Thus, as indicated in FIG. 34, the
flashlight or pen light 230 can be positioned perpendicular to the
central section 34, moved up or down, to either side thereof, or in
any position therebetween. The socket 232 engages the ball 234 in a
friction grip so that the flashlight or pen light 230 is maintained
in the selected position. The flashlight or pen light 230 can be
turned on or off in any conventional manner, such as by turning the
free end 238 thereof.
FIG. 35 shows the above-mentioned compass 134 secured to the
central section 34 of the mounting member 132 by conventional
means, such as by molding, cementing and the like. Accordingly, the
rear wall of the housing 240 of the compass 134 is disposed on the
central section 34 of the mounting member 132 to provide a one
piece integral construction. Once again, the material portions 42
are secured to the lower surfaces of the sections 34, 36, 37, 38,
39 of the mounting member 132.
FIG. 36 shows the above-mentioned pedometer 138 secured to the
central portion 34 of the mounting member 132 by conventional
means, such as by molding, cementing and the like. Accordingly, the
rear wall of the housing 242 of the pedometer 138 is disposed on
the central section 34 of the mounting member 132 to provide a one
piece integral construction. Here again, the material portions 42
are secured to the lower surfaces of the sections 34, 36, 37, 38,
39 of the mounting member 132.
FIG. 37 shows a modified conventional clip 244, similar to the
above mentioned clip 148 of FIG. 22, secured to the central section
34 of the mounting member 132 by conventional means, such as by
molding, cementing and the like. The clip 244, like the
above-mentioned clip 148, includes a base 246, a finger 248 bent
back from one end thereof over the base 246 to function in a
resilient manner, and an inwardly hooked portion 250 extending
upwardly from the opposite end thereof. However, in clip 244, the
inner wall 252 of the base 246 and the inner wall 254 of the finger
248 are bow-shaped inwardly towards each other to increase the
gripping engagement thereof, where the clip 244 functions in the
same manner as the above-mentioned clip 148. Accordingly, the rear
outer wall 256 of the base 246 of the clip 244 is disposed on the
central section 34 of the mounting member 132 to provide a one
piece integral construction. As above, the material portions 42 are
secured to the lower surfaces of the sections 34, 36, 37, 38, 39 of
the mounting member 132.
FIG. 38 shows the above-mentioned spring clip 156 secured to the
central section 34 of the mounting member 132 by conventional
means, such as by molding, cementing and the like. Accordingly, the
rear outer wall 258 of the clamping end 170 of the arm portion 160
is disposed on the central section 34 of the mounting member 132 so
that the arm portion 160 and the mounting member 132 provide a one
piece integral construction. Once again, the material portions 42
are secured to the lower surface of the sections 34, 36, 37, 38, 39
of the mounting member 132.
FIG. 39 shows a slightly modified holding member 260, similar to
the above-mentioned holding member 172 of FIG. 24, secured to the
central section 34 of the mounting member 132 by conventional
means, such as by molding, cementing and the like. The holding
member 260 includes a base portion 262 having a semi-circular
portion 264 extending therefrom with the semi-circular opening
therein facing away from the base portion 262. As indicated above,
the above material portion 180 is secured by conventional means
within the opening of the semi-circular portion 264. Accordingly,
the rear wall of the base portion 262 of the holding member 260 is
disposed on the central section 34 of the mounting member 132 to
provide a one piece integral construction. Here again, the material
portions 42 are secured to the lower surfaces of the sections 34,
36, 37, 38, 39 of the mounting member 132. It is noted, for
example, the holding member 260 can be used to hold a conventional
tennis ball 266 shown in phantom lines, where the hooks of the
material portion 180 engage the outer covering of the tennis ball
266 without the need of providing the tennis ball 266 with any
additional material portion containing loops thereon. Thus, the
tennis ball 266 is held while the player is serving with a first
tennis ball.
FIG. 40 shows a toggle clip 268 which is substantially the same as
the toggle clip 190 of FIGS. 25, 26, except the base 192 of toggle
clip 190 has been eliminated. Accordingly, the rear wall of the
base portion 270 of the semi-circular portion 194 of the toggle
clip 268 is secured to the central section 34 of the mounting
member 132 by conventional means, such as by molding, cementing and
the like, to provide a one piece integral construction.
Furthermore, as indicated above, the material portions 42 are
secured to the lower surfaces of the sections 34, 36, 37, 38, 39 of
the mounting member 132.
By way of example, FIG. 41 shows the integral construction of the
spring clip 156 and the mounting member 132, shown in FIG. 38,
mounted on a round convex surface, such as a rod, pole or post 272.
Prior to the mounting thereof, the above mentioned fabric strip 18
is first secured by conventional means, such as an adhesive, cement
and the like, to the outer surface of the post 272. The material
portions 42 of the mounting member 132 are then secured to the
fabric strip 18 in the manner mentioned above so that the spring
clip 156 is secured to the post 272. The spring clip 156 can now be
used to securely hold a conventional sheet of paper 274 and the
like in the manner mentioned above.
Further by way of example, FIG. 42 shows the integral construction
of a conventional watch 275 and the mounting member 132, similar to
the compass 134 shown in FIG. 35, mounted on a concave surface 276,
such as a dashboard of an automobile, a boat, an airplane and the
like. Here again, prior to the mounting thereof, the
above-mentioned fabric strip 18 is first secured by conventional
means, such as an adhesive, cement and the like, to the concave
surface 276. The material portions 42 of the mounting member 132
are then secured to the fabric strip 18 in the manner mentioned
above so that the watch 275 is secured to the concave surface 276.
The watch 275 can now be used to indicate the time.
FIG. 43 shows a further modified mounting member 280 which is
similar to the above-mentioned mounting members 24, 132, where the
mounting member 280 can be made in any desired length to include
numerous hinged together sections 282. In the manner mentioned
above, transversely extending recesses 26, 30 are formed in the
upper and lower surfaces thereof to provide the hinged means
between the sections 282 so that the sections 282 can pivot
relative to each other both upwardly and downwardly in the manner
mentioned above. Additionally, one material portion 42 is provided
on the lower surface of the last section 282 at one end thereof,
and at least one material portion 40 is provided on the upper
surface of the first section 282 at the opposite end thereof.
However, preferably there are a few material portions 40 provided
on the upper surface of the first few sections 282, as shown in
FIG. 43, so that a size adjustment can be made as indicated below.
In this embodiment, as shown by way of example below, the mounting
member 280 is wrapped around an article and secured to itself by
engaging the material portion 42 with one of the material portions
40, where obviously one of the material portions 40, 42 would
contain the hooks and the other would contain the loops of a Velcro
fastener, preferably the hooks being on the material portion 40 for
the reasons mentioned below.
FIGS. 44, 45, by way of example, show the mounting member 280
wrapped around a person's forearm 284. The above-mentioned clip
148, shown in FIG. 22, is secured by the loops of the material
portion 136 thereof to the hooks of the material portion 40
disposed on the first section 282. Additionally, the material
portion 42 on the last section 282 is also secured to the material
portion 40 on the first section 282 to secure the mounting member
280 on the forearm 284. Obviously, if the mounting member 280 is
not tightly secured on the forearm 284, then the clip 148 and the
last section 282 can be secured on either the second or the third
section 282 to provide a secure tight engagement. It is further
noted, that the last section 182, can be secured to another section
82, such as the first or second, and the clip 148 can be secured to
another section 182, such as the third.
In this case, the clip 148 is used to hold a conventional
intravenous tube 286, the end 288 of which is inserted into the
person's arm in a conventional manner and held in place by a
conventional tape 290, as shown in FIG. 44, which is well known in
the art. Thus, the clip 148 prevents the end 288 of the intravenous
tube 286 from being accidentally pulled out of the person's
arm.
FIG. 46 shows a modification whereby the clip 148 is secured to a
selected one of the sections 282 by conventional means, such as by
molding, cementing and the like, to provide a one piece integral
construction in the manner mentioned above, such as indicated in
FIG. 37. Obviously, any of the above-mentioned items can be
attached to the mounting member 280 by the material portion 136, or
be secured thereto by molding, cementing and the like, in the same
manner mentioned above, with respect to the clip 148 shown best in
FIGS. 45 and 46.
FIG. 47 shows a modified mounting member 292 similar to the
above-mentioned mounting member 280, but having the material
portions 40 on the upper surface of all the sections 282 so that
more than one of the same or different types of the above-mentioned
items can be secured thereto. Obviously, depending upon its use,
the mounting member 292 can be made in any length so as to be
wrapped around a person's wrist, arm, leg, waist, ankle, neck, and
any other desired part of the person, or a round article, such as
the above-mentioned post 272. Here again, as indicated above,
rather than removably securing the item to the mounting member 292
using the material portions 40 for engaging the material portion
136 of the item, the item can be permanently directly secured to
one or more of the sections 282 by conventional means, such as by
molding, cementing and the like, to provide a one piece integral
construction.
FIG. 48 shows another modified mounting member 294 which is similar
to the above-mentioned mounting members, where all the mounting
members of the present invention are preferably fabricated from a
plastic material. The mounting member 294 can be made in any
desired length to include numerous hinged together sections 296,
where only three sections 296 are shown in FIGS. 48-52.
Additionally, the hinges 298 disposed between the sections 296,
which are integrally joined to the sections 296 in a one piece
construction, are flexible and have an accordian-like construction
which permits the sections 296 to pivot relative to each other both
upwardly and downwardly in the manner mentioned above, and also
permits the sections to pivot or swing transversely to one side or
to the other side relative to each other, as shown below by
example. Furthermore, as in the above manner, a material portion 40
is provided on the upper surface of each of the sections 296, and
another material portion 42 is provided on the lower surface of
each of the sections 296, to function in the manner mentioned
above.
FIG. 49 shows the mounting member 294 having the sections 96
transversely pivoted about the flexible hinges 298 to provide a
curved C-shaped arrangement. Furthermore, by way of example, the
above-mentioned clip 148, shown in FIG. 22, is secured by the loops
of the material portion 136 thereof to the hooks of the material
portion 40 disposed on each of the sections 296, so that each
section 296 has a clip 148 thereon. Additionally, an elongated
longitudinally extending cylindrical member 300, such as a bendable
flexible tube, rod, electrical wire and the like, is secured by
each of the clips 148 in the above-mentioned manner for securement
to the mounting member 294 so that the cylindrical member 300 is
maintained in the curved C-shaped arrangement provided by the
mounting member 294.
Likewise, FIG. 50 shows the mounting member 294 having the sections
296 transversely pivoted about the flexible hinges 298, first to
one side thereof and then to the opposite side thereof, to provide
a curved S-shaped arrangement. Accordingly, the clips 148 are
secured to the sections 296 by the engagement of the material
portions 136 to the material portions 40, in the same manner as
shown in FIG. 49. Thus, the elongated longitudinally extending
cylindrical member 300 is secured by each of the clips 148 for
securement to the mounting member 294 so that the cylindrical
member 300 is now maintained in the curved S-shaped arrangement
provided by the mounting member 294. It is understood, that the
material portions 42 on each of the sections 296 are used to secure
the mounting member 294 to an article, in the manner mentioned
above, to maintain the C-shaped arrangement shown in FIG. 49 and
the S-shaped arrangement shown in FIG. 50. Accordingly, examples of
securing the mounting member 294 to articles are set forth
below.
FIG. 51 shows an article 302, such as a staircase, having an upper
step 304 and a lower step 306 connected by a vertical portion 308.
Accordingly, the above-mentioned fabric strips 18 are first secured
in predetermined positions on the upper step 304, the lower step
306, and the vertical portion 308 by conventional means, such as an
adhesive, cement and the like. The material portions 42 on the
lower surfaces of the sections 296 of the mounting member 294 are
then secured to associated ones of the fabric strips 18 in the
manner mentioned above, so that the mounting member 294 is secured
to the staircase 302. It is noted, that the flexible hinges 298
permit the mounting member 294 to first be pivoted downwardly from
the first step 304, and then pivoted outwardly to lay on the second
step 306, as shown in FIG. 51. Thus, the cylindrical member 300,
which is secured to the clips 148, is maintained in position
conforming to the step arrangement. Obviously, additional sections
296 can be added to the mounting member 294, or additional mounting
members 294 can be mounted on the staircase 302, if it is desired
to have the cylindrical member 300 extend down the length of the
staircase 302.
Likewise, FIG. 52 shows two mounting members 294 secured around the
above-mentioned rod, pole or post 272. Accordingly, the
above-mentioned fabric strips 18 are first secured in predetermined
spaced apart positions around the post 272 by conventional means as
mentioned above. The material portions 42 on the lower surfaces of
the sections 296 of both mounting members 294 are then secured to
associated ones of the fabric strips 18 in the manner mentioned
above, so that the two mounting members 294 are secured to the post
272. It is noted, that the flexible hinges 298 permit each of the
mounting members 294 to be pivoted in the required manner around
the outer surface of the post 272 so that the material portions 42
can engage associates ones of the fabric strips 18. Thus, the
cylindrical member 300, which is secured by the clips 148 mounted
on the mounting members 294, is maintained in position around the
post 272. Obviously, additional sections 296 can be added to one
mounting member 294 to elongate same so that only one mounting
member 294 is required, rather than using the two mounting members
294 shown in FIG. 52.
It is noted, as indicated above, that rather than securing the clip
148 to the mounting member 294, any of the above-mentioned items
can be secured to the mounting member 294 in the same manner.
Furthermore, any of the above-mentioned items can be secured to one
or more of the sections 296 in either a removable manner or in a
one piece integral construction therewith, as indicated above.
Numerous alterations of the above structures herein disclosed will
suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. However, it is to
be understood that the present disclosure relates to preferred
embodiments of the invention which are for purposes of illustration
only, and are not to be construed as a limitation of the
invention.
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